Job Details

University Ombuds, President's Office

Pocatello - Main

NOT eligible for remote work, on-campus position

Priority Date: August 3, 2025

Institution Information

Idaho State University, established in 1901, is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research and teaching institution, with a culture built on trust, compassion, stability, and hope. ISU serves over 12,000 students in Pocatello, Meridian, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls. Students and faculty at ISU are leading the way in cutting-edge research and innovative solutions. We are proud to offer exceptional academics nestled in the grand, natural beauty of the West. We invite you to apply to be a part of our University community!

Job Description

Reporting to the President, the University Ombuds serves as a confidential, independent, impartial, and informal resource for faculty and staff to address concerns, resolve conflicts, and promote fair treatment across the university. The Ombuds provides guidance on university policies and procedures, facilitates communication, and assists in problem-solving while upholding principles of neutrality, confidentiality, and informality.

The Ombuds does not advocate for individuals but rather for fairness and equitable processes. The role serves as an alternative, informal channel for conflict resolution, separate from formal university procedures. The Ombuds also identifies systemic trends and offers recommendations to improve university policies and practices.

Key Responsibilities

Confidential & Informal Conflict Resolution Support

• Provides a safe, confidential space for individuals to discuss concerns, explore options, and seek resolution strategies.
• Assists in informal dispute resolution through facilitated dialogue, conflict coaching, mediation, and shuttle diplomacy.
• Helps individuals understand university policies, procedures, and available resources without engaging in formal processes.
• Collaborates with Faculty/Staff Ombuds to provide mentorship and guidance, without formal oversight, related to the operationalization of International Ombuds Association (IOA) principles

Impartiality & Fair Process Advocacy

• Maintains neutrality and impartiality, ensuring fairness and equitable treatment for all university members.
• Does not take sides, make decisions, or determine policy but instead promotes fair and ethical practices.
• Identifies patterns of systemic concerns and provides feedback to university leadership while preserving confidentiality.

Independence & Structural Autonomy

• Operates independently from university administration, reporting trends and recommendations without being part of formal processes.
• Has direct access to the President while maintaining functional independence.
• Does not participate in formal investigations, adjudications, or compliance-related functions in any capacity.

Data Collection & Reporting on Systemic Issues

• Tracks non-identifiable trends to identify recurring issues affecting the university community.
• Prepares annual reports with aggregated data and recommendations to enhance fairness, inclusivity, and institutional effectiveness.
• Maintains records in accordance with IOA best practices, ensuring no permanent documentation of confidential discussions.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in conflict resolution, law, psychology, social work, organizational leadership, higher education administration, or a related field.

At least one year demonstrated professional experience in mediation, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), conflict coaching, or ombuds practice.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to foster trust, neutrality, and confidentiality.

Understanding of IOA Standards of Practice & Code of Ethics and commitment to its principles.

Preferred Qualifications

Professional certification in conflict resolution or mediation.

Experience working in higher education, complex environments and highly emotional situations settings.

Additional Information

You must submit your CV/resume, cover letter, and list of three (3) professional references, including current contact information. This position will remain open until it is filled; however, priority consideration will be given to applications received on or before August 3, 2025. Salary will be between $70,000 to $75,000 per year, commensurate with education and experience. Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, and vision; life insurance; disability plan; employee assistance program (EAP); excellent retirement options and company contribution; and generous paid time off/sick leave accrual. All offers of employment are conditional pending the successful completion of a background investigation, provided by HireRight.